Advertising stalwart dies at 65
ANDY Stanton’s last words at the 15th green of the Umhlali Country Club were a compliment to a fellow golfer for a fine putt.
This would have come as no surprise to those who knew him. He was that kind of man: upbeat, warm and personable – a great people’s person.
Weeks short of 66 years old, Stanton collapsed without warning as he engaged in a favourite pastime. His death at a Spar Golf Day on August 3 has been much lamented.
Born in Scotland, he journeyed to South Africa to play for Boksburg United. It was not long before Durban United snapped up this centre-half.
“His work rate was unbelievable,” said Andy Liversage, a director of United.
From there Stanton started at Independent Newspapers, then the Argus Company, where he enjoyed a successful period in the advertising division. While there, he partnered with colleagues in the 1990s to launch the popular Queen’s Tavern, diagonally across from Independent Newspapers.
In the pub basement one day, he and Derek Macaskill of SA Breweries discussed the creation of The Charles Glass Society – an idea that would soon spread throughout South Africa. It became the lager mantra.
“It was born out of fun, friendship and laughter,” said Macaskill. “Its benefits were for charity.”
Stanton moved on to work at the Ilanga newspaper, then Media 24. He became a partner at UmAfrika newspaper, then joined Caxton, Spark Media.
“Andy was a gentleman of note,” said Liversage. “I never knew him to be negative. He made an impression on people.”
Macaskill agreed: “I never met a man who managed relationships better, from chief executives to the tea-pourer.”
Former general manager at Independent Newspapers and a long-standing friend of Stanton’s, Brian Porter, described him as “larger than life”.
“He was a man of many different talents but his most enduring quality was his love for his family, friends and colleagues. His working life was spent growing an incredibly large customer base, many of whom he called friends.
“He was the go-to person for any type of help you needed, even it meant him getting up at any time of the night to help with a broken-down car.”
Stanton worked at Independent Newspapers for over 15 years, starting as a sales rep and ending in senior management.
“His booming laughter and broad Scottish accent will be sorely missed by all who new him,” Porter said. “He had a great passion for golf and rarely got sick, so his passing while playing golf – without suffering – I believe he would have seen as a fitting end.”
Stanton leaves his wife Beth, daughter Kate, son Ross and daughter-in-law Lauren.
His wake will be at the Northwood Crusaders Sports Club, Durban North, from 3pm to 10pm on Tuesday.